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Casualties unknown

Night Flight Collision with Trees and Terrain (N57297)

Rienzi, MS, US

On August 19, 2001, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N57297) operated by Michael T. Mccarthy was involved in an aviation accident near Rienzi, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent collision with trees and terrain. A factor was the dark night condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A recently certificated private pilot's night flight ended in a collision with trees and terrain. GPS data showed heading fluctuations and a 360-degree turn. No mechanical failure was found.

Flight Details

The flight departed at 0249 central daylight time. The pilot, who was recently certificated, operated a single-engine airplane. Weather reporting facilities indicated the possibility of IFR conditions in the vicinity of the accident site around the time of the accident. The night was moonless and dark.

GPS Data

GPS data retrieved from a hand-held unit recovered from the wreckage showed nearly constant heading fluctuations throughout the flight, depicting a scalloped flight path and an eventual 360-degree turn to the right at the end of the data set.

Accident Scene

The airplane collided with trees and terrain and came to rest in a nose-low attitude adjacent to two trees. Wreckage debris was scattered over an area approximately 70 feet long and 35 feet wide. The wreckage path was oriented on a 240-degree magnetic heading. The engine assembly was buried several inches into the ground, and the empennage section was stacked on top of the cockpit and passenger sections at the point of ground impact.

Examination

Examination of the airframe and engine assembly revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or component failure.

Loss of control in flightSpatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 2001 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Rienzi, MS?

A recently certificated private pilot's night flight ended in a collision with trees and terrain. GPS data showed heading fluctuations and a 360-degree turn. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N57297, operated by Michael T. Mccarthy, at Rienzi, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent collision with trees and terrain. A factor was the dark night condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010830X01820. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.